Clinical exam is critical for differentiating whether there is a significant chance of a concerning diagnosis and whether imaging is warranted. (E.g. visible ear swelling, raised base of ear, etc.)

 

LESS CONCERNING DIAGNOSES:

 

Otomastoiditis: fluid collection in the mastoid air cells, often associated with otitis media, not an emergency if no bony involvement

• seen in many patients with otitis media who happened to get advanced imaging

 

Incipient mastoiditis: infection of the mastoid air cells, no middle ear involvement

 

 

MORE CONCERNING DIAGNOSES:

 

Acute coalescent mastoiditis: inflammation of the epithelial lining of the mastoid with boney septations and erosions

• can be complicated with abscesses and brain infections

 

Subacute mastoiditis: recurrent otitis media, resulting erosion of boney septations

• can be complicated with abscesses and brain infections

 

 

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).